The chief of Navy Reserve honored 14 civilian employers from across the nation for their exceptional support of America's Navy Reserve Sailors, during a Navy Employer Recognition Event (NERE) in Norfolk, June 23.

Kicking off the event, Vice Adm. Luke M. McCollum, chief of Navy Reserve said, "We want to give you some real hands on experience of what your Navy Reserve Sailors do. We are going to give you a taste of the Navy today."

NERE is a Navy familiarization day sponsored by the chief of Navy Reserve to recognize employers who provide their Reserve Sailors with superior support, and provide them an opportunity to see first-hand what Reserve Sailors do every day. Selected employers are chosen from nominations submitted by their Reserve Sailor employees.

Throughout the one-day recognition event, the employers had the opportunity to get an up-close and personal look at the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, tour the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) at Naval Station Norfolk, view a static display of aircraft from Naval Air Force Reserve, and witness a demonstration by Reserve SEAL Team 18.

Companies invited to this year's event were nominated by their employees who are also Navy Reserve Sailors. Guests included chief executive officers, company owners and senior executives from small, medium and large companies.

In wrapping up the welcome, McCollum said the training and experiences Reserve Sailors obtain in the Navy provides great value to their companies when they return.

For more news from Commander, Navy Reserve Force, visit http://www.navy.mil/.